Newcastle United have beaten Birmingham City to sign Peter Lovenkrands.

After becoming a free agent he reportedly rejected two contract offers from the Magpies but it was third time lucky for the club as the popular winger finally agreed terms.

Lovenkrands has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain in the North East of England after turning down offers from a number of German Bundesliga sides.

The former Rangers man even considered discussing terms with Newcastle's fiercest rivals Sunderland but the supposed interest never materialised.

Lovenkrands will now ply his trade in the Championship having previously played with the club in the Premier League before they suffered relegation on the final day of last season's campaign.